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When I look out of my window, I simply do not see Five Fingers Mountains only. What I see around are the people. They all carry differing colours of skin, with varying tones. I see colours flowing around me, ranging from pink to light yellow, and from stark black to grey, and whatever.

Summer came this year with a vengeance and at the start of the autumn we are still sweltering here in Northern Cyprus and many expat swallows are returning to their home from home plus increasing numbers of tourists are arriving.

Night life has long been a thing to be enjoyed, from just enjoying a nice cool drink and chatting with friends or even enjoying a nice meal.

Some folk just love entertainment and we have seen a flood of venues and entertainers reaching out to promote their events in newspapers and other media this year and in view of the problems entertainers faced last year, perhaps we will soon learn more of the new arrangements that may have been made for expatriate entertainers to perform in Northern Cyprus than was available to them in 2015.

Last year in the Cyprus Today newspaper it was reported as shown below that a new entertainment agency “Elite Entertainment” was being formed by Dave Griffiths much to the delight of musicians Gavin Simons and Barry “Snakes” Steward but since then nothing has been heard of this agency.

The good news reported in the Cyprus Today newspaper of 3rd September 2016 is that Gavin Simons plus Alan Bartholomew have now started an agency A-Chord Entertainment Ltd which will provide multi venue work permits for expat entertainers to perform legally in Northern Cyprus.

We wish them all well and hope that those expat entertainers who take up this opportunity of working legally by obtaining multi venue work permit from A-Chord Entertainment Ltd do not find their efforts undercut by the illegal entertainers, many from outside the TRNC.

The only way of preventing this is for the TRNC authorities to enforce the rules regarding employment which would see those who have registered to work as entertainers being supported by the suppression of illegal entertainers and those that employ them but sadly that does not seem to have been done very successfully during 2016.

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Northern Cyprus- Expats Back in business

It’s goodbye from some and hello from others

By Chris Elliott…….November 2015………

The beloved remaining expat entertainers of ASAP have now set course for their individual futures and at the end of this month All Stars Agency Promotions will cease operation.

Who knows, perhaps the agency will be mothballed until such times as the employment laws are changed to make it easier for expat entertainers to perform legally and more economically.

The good news is that the Cyprus Today newspaper of 7/11/2015 reported this past weekend that a new company “Elite Entertainment” is being formed and should commence operations at the end of this month. It is reported that they will not be operating as an agency but rather helping expat entertainers gain multi-venue permits, although the question of full time work permits has not been clearly reported.

Northern Cyprus- Expats Back in business

It’s goodbye from some and hello from others

By Chris Elliott…….

The beloved remaining expat entertainers of ASAP have now set course for their individual futures and at the end of this month All Stars Agency Promotions will cease operation.

Who knows, perhaps the agency will be mothballed until such times as the employment laws are changed to make it easier for expat entertainers to perform legally and more economically.

The good news is that the Cyprus Today newspaper of 7/11/2015 reported this past weekend that a new company “Elite Entertainment” is being formed and should commence operations at the end of this month. It is reported that they will not be operating as an agency but rather helping expat entertainers gain multi-venue permits, although the question of full time work permits has not been clearly reported.

Any attempt to negotiate with the authorities so that expat entertainers can work legally is excellent news as, to date, it has been a TRNC legal requirement for expatriates to be invited to work by a TRNC company and following approval by the authorities, then a full time work permit would be granted for a specific job in a single location.

In the case of the ASAP agency they had originally negotiated with the authorities so that they could arrange to acquire work permits for their entertainers to work at various locations legally which was excellent news.

The main problem, as we understand it, has been that the bulk of entertainment is seasonal and mainly during the period of May through to October but the authorities had deemed these entertainers as being full time workers as expats are not allowed to work part time and they are taxed throughout the full year and paying social sigorta etc even when there are very few opportunities to entertain.

They were also required to pay a bond to the authorities when joining ASAP which we understand is refundable.

So back to the latest news of multi-venue permits being available for those that sign up with Elite Entertainment, no doubt they will want to publicise this news in greater detail and we will be pleased to share this with our worldwide readership.

Perhaps their new arrangements may allow expatriate entertainers outside the TRNC to visit North Cyprus and work legally for short periods and this could be further good news which will help boost tourism through encouraging high quality entertainers to come here and perform legally.

We may also see other companies being formed to offer the same services or perhaps even ASAP may return and this would be good as competition is healthy and ensures the venues and their guests would have the very best entertainment available.

Where are the Missing Entertainers

in North Cyprus?

By Chris Elliott…….

There is a lot of talk at the moment of North Cyprus restaurants and bars finding it very difficult to book entertainers and their options for Christmas and the New Year celebrations have slumped to a few Turkish Cypriots entertainers or those expatriates who have gained citizenship and have a Kimlik card.

Why is this you may ask? Due to petty jealousy and the rabid activities of a few expatriate entertainers in the past few months through social media and newspapers where they have tried to justify their existence. They have also sought to deflect public interest away from those expatriate entertainers who obtained work permits through the sole legal entertainers’ agency.

Was it any surprise by those that intended to ignore TRNC laws and regulations. that their foolhardy promotion in social media and newspapers caused the authorities to start clamping down and now there are only a few entertainers available and perhaps not enough to support demand.

The outcome is well known and unless a miracle is found, the concept of a legal entertainers agency will disappear along with their entertainers and already rumours abound of agencies which are being set up. Will they be created in accordance with TRNC law, if not then they run the risk of falling foul of the authorities very quickly along with the entertainers that may have been recruited. To read more on this subjectclick here

The biggest risk in the next few months will be run by the restaurants and bars because if they are seen to be using illegal entertainers by the authorities they will receive large fines for breaking the law.

Perhaps this year for Christmas and New year celebrations in North Cyprus it may be best to invite friends around for lunch and to share the occasion and even listen to the Queen’s speech if that’s what you enjoy.

Northern Cyprus Residency

Permit and Driving Licence

update – May 2015

By Chris Elliott…….

I wrote an article recently click here that gave examples of statements by Citizens Advice Cyprus and the British Residents’ Society which advised whether it is necessary for expatriates of over 60 years of age to obtain a residency permit, or not, when you want to stay in Northern Cyprus.

In this article I also explained how on returning from the UK I discovered at Ercan immigration that my residency permit had expired but was told that as I was over 60 years of age I did not need a residency permit and my passport was stamped for a 90 day stay so I decided I wanted to continue to have a temporary residency permit and visited the Lefkosa office and completed my application and had my passport brought up to date with a new permit.

Interestingly friends have recently needed to have their permits renewed and have sent the following explanation of what they experienced so that other readers can be aware of the current situation and should make their own choices to renew, or not, their temporary residency permit.

“Hi Chris,

Don’t know if this is of any interest to you but Roy and I went to Lefkosa this week to renew our residency. For 2 years, for 2 people, the cost is now 1064tl and the stamp is 10.5tl each.

However, we did ask the lady at the residency desk if we needed to renew our residency as we are both over 60 years of age. She said that no, we didn’t need to but that the onus was really on us. If we opted out of renewing our residency but still wished to have a Turkish driving licence (which we do) then we could, instead, obtain a letter from the village Muhtar where his signature would require 2 further witnesses at that time. We would then have to produce that letter when applying for driving licence renewal in the office above the residency office (same building); this applies only if we did not have a residency stamp in our passports.

In other words, when applying for a Turkish Cypriot driving licence without a residency stamp then alternative evidence of address in the TRNC is required.

So, it looks as though this issue still remains ‘up in the air’ and we decided not to take the risk but to get another 2 years stamped in our passports – to save any arguments at the border etc. Wouldn’t Government clarification be marvellous?? None of us really know what to do and most of us don’t want a lot of hassle in our older years so we opt for ‘safety’!!

Northern Cyprus Residency

Permit update – April 2015

By Chris Elliott…….

The subject of obtaining or not a residency permit when you want to stay in Northern Cyprus has always been the subject of much controversy and debate and no more so than when Citizens Advice Cyprus kindly contributed an article on May 31st 2014 in which they said:

“Citizens Advice Cyprus would like to advise expatriate residents in North Cyprus of the latest news regarding Residency Applications.

If you are 60 or above, you no longer need to apply for a yearly residency stamp in your passport. You are free to enter and exit the TRNC as often as you like and stay here for as long as you like.”

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I have noted my own personal experience as follows when realising my residency permit had expired and how I resolved the issue.

A few weeks ago I had to return to the UK urgently for a week and on my return to Ercan airport I was greeted by a charming Immigration Policeman who said “Sir, your Temporary Residency has expired.

My reply was OMG what do we do now and he replied. “Sir you are over 60 so you can stay here as long as you like. I will give you a 90 day permit”. I walked away from Ercan happy that I had not been penalised for not renewing the permit when I should have.

So I could have done nothing and simply remained here in TRNC on 90 day permits but I decided to face the music and I went to the Immigration offices with my paperwork and within 1 hour I paid for and received a new 2 year Temporary Residency Permit (with a smile) backdated to the expiry of the last one and was not penalised for failing to update it when I should have. At least my run of permits has not been disrupted so I am in a better position to apply for permanent residency or even citizenship when the time is right. I should add that there has been a small increase in the cost of the residency permit and revenue stamps over the fees shown in the BRS article below.

So there we have it, we all have it seems a choice over the age of 60 to apply for a residency permit or not until further facts are made known.

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Following the Citizens Advice Cyprus posting on cyprusscene.com there was much debate in the social media and great efforts were made by the British Residents’ Society to clarify the situation in the following posting shown below which was placed on their website which you can read or their other information and news byclicking here

“Residency

Everyone coming to live in the TRNC must observe their rules on residency. Failure to do so will result in heavy fines and may lead to deportation. After your initial 90 day visa expires, you must apply for residency. Until you obtain Permanent Residency, all residency visas are classed as “Temporary”.

On your first application, visit the Immigration Section at your local Police station. (Opening hours are typically Mon-Fri 0815-1145)

You must take with you

Your valid passport, and a photocopy of the photo page

2 recent passport photos

A photocopy, of your property sale contract, kocan (deed) or rental contract in your name

Local bank statement showing holder’s name and latest balance

(Typically you will need to have £10,000 or tl equivalent, per person)

TL 10 in revenue stamps (from local Post Office)

Original letter from your local Muhtar, bearing two signatures and 1.30 TL revenue stamps. (This is required to prove your residency address)

Married couples should produce their marriage certificate, with a photocopy

Dependents over 18 years will need a notarised statement from their sponsor (eg parents) promising financial support.

If a couple apply together, each person must have a full set of documents. For the first year it is only possible to obtain a residency permit for one year. For successive renewals a 2 year option is available, but only if you are aged 60 or over.

If the documents are in order, you will be asked to obtain a medical test. You will be directed to your local State Hospital, eg residents of Lefke will go to Guzelyurt, Karpaz residents will go to Gazimagusa and Girne residents to Girne State Hospital.

In Girne, Take your passport and the paperwork given to you by the Police. Enter the Hospital from the visitors’ car park at the rear of the hospital, on the lower level, and go to the cashiers desks just past the small cafe. You will need to take a number from the number dispensing machine by the Cashiers desk. You will be called in turn and allocated a specific test laboratory where you should go for blood tests and TB test. The fee, currently, is TL135. The laboratory will ask you to return after a few days to check for a reaction to the TB test.

Obtain your medical test from the designated medical laboratory. Return to the police station with all the documents listed in 1 + receipt from your medical test.

After approx one week, you can sign for and collect the test results in a sealed envelope from the hospital (lower ground floor). Do not open the envelope.

After about 3 weeks (4 for Karpaz residents) you go to the Immigration Dept in Lefkosa, taking with you

Your passport

Your medical report

The current residency fee

TL10.5 in revenue stamps (You can buy stamps in the Ministry Cafe on the same floor)

If all is in order, your residency permit will be stamped in your passport (while you wait) and you will be given a pink or blue registration booklet

For annual renewal

Under 60’s still need blood tests and x-rays ( For over 60’s read section below )

Take your registration booklet+ up to date versions of the documents listed above

Photocopy of the last residence stamp in your passport

No passport photos are needed

No revenue stamps are needed.

If your address has changed since your last renewal please ensure that Muhtar’s letter shows this.

Applications for renewal should be made between 30 and 15 days before the permit expires. Don’t let your permit expire: there are hefty fines for doing so!

IMPORTANT

PLEASE NOTE THAT ANYONE WHO WILL BE ABSENT FROM THE TRNC AT THE TIME THEIR RESIDENCY IS DUE, MUST VISIT IMMIGRATION IN LEFKOSA BEFORE LEAVING THE COUNTRY AND ADVISE THEM OF LIKELY TIME THEY WILL BE AWAY, SO THAT THE AUTHORITIES CAN MAKE A SYSTEM ENTRY TO THAT EFFECT.

Notes:

Applicants over 60 need to take medical tests on their first application, but not on subsequent renewals. Over 60s may also request a permit valid for 2 years (at double the cost) when they go to the Ministry to get the permit stamped in their passport.

Residence permits will not normally be issued to persons who live and work abroad or to their dependents, even if the dependents wish to remain in TRNC full time.

Temporary residence permits must be renewed annually or bi-annually. Fees as at 1st January 2013 are as follows:

250TL for a year

500TL for 2 years

If your permit has expired, don’t leave the TRNC without renewing it. In emergencies, renewal can be expedited.

For those residents that are under 60.

If you have to leave TRNC in an emergency and your permit has expired/is being processed/will expire while you are out of the country, contact Immigration at the Ministry of Interior and inform them. Don’t try to get a letter or advice from the Police: they are not authorised to give advice or issue such letters. Upon your return please ensure that you go through the renewal procedure within 30 days of your return; your renewal however will be backdated to your anniversary renewal date.

Dependents of Work Permit holders must apply for Residence Permits.

Work permit holders who give up work completely should give up their work permits and apply for residence permits. Do not give up a work permit if you intend to do any work at all.

Over 60s – New Residency Rules

OVER 60’s RESIDENCY

The Over 60’s residency exemption has been the subject of much confusion for the ex-pat community. The BRS has had several meetings with the government to investigate how the system could be changed in such a way that a residency stamp or similar could be provided. After much discussion with the immigration management and their legal advisor, it was agreed that the present system would be simplified for the Over 60’s. However, before providing details of the new process, the question of whether over 60’s need annual residency has to be addressed. There has been contrasting advice on this subject so we will attempt to clarify matters.”

Anyone who gives blood 3 times per annum, one of which must be done within 30 days of residency renewal will not have to pay for their annual blood test. For further details or problems, contact Prue Lundie on 0542 8551114 or visit the Blood Donor section of this website.

Permanent Residency THIS PROCESS IS PRESENTLY BEING REVIEWED, AND IS THEREFORE SUSPENDED

Once you have a minimum of 5 successive “physical ” annual residency stamps you may apply for permanent residency. Please note that a two year residency stamp counts as 1 stamp so the criteria is not 5 successive years.

A permanent residency application form can be obtained from the police. At the time of entry (March 2013), you will also be required to produce all the normal residency documentation plus a form confirming that you have no criminal record. A blood test and chest X-ray will also be required, regardless of your age.

The cost of permanent residency is linked to the minimum wage figure. As this changes frequently it is advisable to ask the police to provide you with the current charge at the time of your application. As a rough guide, the figure, excluding the costs of blood tests and x-rays was approx 1600tl in March 2013.

As with other residency procedures, you complete the formalities at Lefkosa, pay the appropriate fees and collect your residency permit. You should allow a greater time interval for permanent residency application to finalisation, say 4 weeks.

As with all Govt office visits, we would like your feedback of the procedures and costs.”

Golden Island International Film Festival

Questionnaire

What are the views and activities of all ex-pats

in North Cyprus when watching films?

By Peter Wills

I am sure by now that you will have heard about this exciting event which will be taking place here in North Cyprus between the 7th and 13th of November.

It is slated to be ‘the event of the year’, with actors, directors, producers and a host of celebrities travelling here from all over the world. A full programme of events, film showings and locations will be announced in the near future.

Over 100 films have been submitted for inclusion in the Festival, some as just first time showings and some in competition for various awards, to be judged by a celebrity panel of experts from the film industry.

Meanwhile, here is your opportunity to be part of this inaugural event with the chance of winning a super prize to include a meal for two at Silver Rocks Restaurant in Lapta, A signed copy of Martina Cole’s new book due out next month and two tickets to attend the Gala Opening of the Festival.

The organisers of the festival are keen to find out the views and activities of all ex-pats of varying nationalities living here with regard to their film viewing and cinema visits.

All you have to do is complete and return the attached on-line questionnaire before November 1st. If yours is the lucky one ‘pulled out of the hat’ you could win this fabulous array of prizes. Please click here to download and print and submit your questionnaire as directed.

If you wish to find out more about the festival, check out their website by clicking hereor perhaps you fancy volunteering to help out with the administration of the festival, then email Peter Wills the local member of the organising team by completing the contact form below and giving your name, email address and telephone number and he will get back to you.

Are Expats to be taxed?

Here in North Cyprus the expats sometimes feel they are not wanted or only wanted for their money and it is perhaps most comforting to know that our brethren in South Cyprus are not having an easy time either.

With all of the financial woes in South Cyprus, it is now being suggested that the expats there could be paying higher taxes with other increasing costs due to the government having to consider signing up to some harsh austerity measures as part of the deal if it is to secure the EU bailout package it needs to help finance its debts.

So perhaps the grass is not so green on the other side of the fence and for those that want to learn more please click on the link below: